Vaisala Thunderstorm Sensors

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Eastern Region Acquisitions Division-Kansas City office intends to award, on a sole source basis, under the authority of FAR 13.106-1(b)(1), with Vaisala Inc, 194 S. Taylor Road, Louisville, CO, 80027, for seven (7) TSS928 Thunderstorm Sensors for the National Weather Service (NWS) National Logistics Support Center in Grandview, MO. Background The purpose of the acquisition is to establish a Purchase Order for Vaisala TSS928 thunderstorm sensors to support the U.S. Navy's operation requirements for their Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS). ASOS measures local weather conditions and provides those data to a variety of sources for daily, critical and continuous use at over 1,000 locations worldwide. ASOS is a significant data contributor in the control of air traffic, provides parameters for climate and weather forecasting, and for emergency managers with situational awareness during climatic events. The U.S. Navy requires thunderstorm detection at all Naval Air Stations. The thunderstorm sensor is designed to specifically sense the electromagnetic signature from lightning strikes while filtering out other electrical noise. It also detects and reports range and bearing of cloud-to-ground lightning and detects and counts cloud lightning. The sensor provides critical local lightning information, both for meteorological applications as well as threat data, to facilitate advance warnings, initiate safety procedures, and isolate equipment with full confidence. The ASOS program is responsible to the U.S. Navy for the procurement and testing of all sensors on ASOS systems worldwide. Sole Source Justification Vaisala is the sole-source manufacture of the previous TSS924 sensor and the only company that is certified with the required expertise and proven testing to provide the thunderstorm sensor model TSS928 and support services. The NWS ASOS program currently uses Vaisala's TSS924 thunderstorm sensor which has been in use for an excess of 15 years. The U.S. Navy has invested millions of dollars with the testing and purchasing of these sensors for the ASOS system. Vaisala's thunderstorm sensor is the only successfully tested compatible sensor operating within the ASOS system. The ASOS system requires a form, fit & function solution. The TSS924 sensor took a decade to develop, test, integrate and commission. The ASOS thunderstorm algorithm was developed using the data string from this particular sensor with their proprietary algorithms that display specific thunderstorm reporting data. The network has TSS924 models have been installed at 25% of ASOS locations. The U.S. Navy needs to complete their installation at the overseas locations and would like to continue the use of the TSS924 model, but they are no longer manufactured. Vaisala produces a new model, the TSS928 that can be implemented into the ASOS network in a timely manner. The sensor TSS928 meteorological performance matches the performance of the TSS924, because the sensor modules are the same. The TSS928 sensor is plug and play and has required limited testing. Additionally, the updated model uses the same proprietary algorithms as the previous version. To compete this procurement utilizing full and open competition at this part of the life cycle would substantial duplicate the cost to the Government which would not expect to be recovered through competition. Additionally, it would result in having multiple vendors for thunderstorm reporting in the ASOS network. These Vaisala TSS928 sensors are necessary for the proper execution of NWS ASOS functions. Switching to another thunderstorm sensor at this time would not be in the best interest of the Government. Special Notice This is the only notice to be posted. This special notice is not a request for competitive offers and no solicitation package is available. However, firms that believe they can provide the needed thunderstorm sensors and be in compliance with the above justification may submit substantiating documentation in writing within the open period of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to shelley.smith@noaa.gov. Documentation will be evaluated solely for the purpose of determining whether or not to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. A determination by the Government not to conduct a competitive procurement, based upon response to this notice, is solely within the discretion of the Government. Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. If no documentation is received, award will be made directly to Vaisala, Inc. DOC, Eastern Region Acquisition Division requires that all contractors doing business with this office be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). No award can be made to a company not registered in SAM. For additional information and to register in SAM, please access the following web site: www.sam.gov. To register, all contractors must have a Dun and Bradstreet number. A Dun and Bradstreet number may be acquired free of charge by contacting Dun and Bradstreet on-line at http://www.dnb.com/eupdate or by telephone at (800)333-0505.